Steve Jefferies Was Selected as President & CEO of Gouverneur Savings & Loan
August 2025 – Smith & Wilkinson was retained by Gouverneur Savings & Loan Association (GS&L), the wholly owned subsidiary of Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: GOVB), to manage the search and selection process for the Bank’s President & Chief Executive Officer.
As a publicly traded community banking organization entering a new phase following its second-step mutual-to-stock conversion, Gouverneur Bancorp sought a seasoned executive capable of leading a $200MM institution with strategic discipline, regulatory rigor, and a clear focus on long-term shareholder value. The Board prioritized candidates with demonstrated experience guiding community banks through growth, governance responsibilities, and evolving capital strategies while maintaining strong local engagement.
Following a comprehensive executive search with S&W, GS&L selected Steve Jefferies for this pivotal leadership role. Steve brings more than 30 years of community banking experience, with a strong background in commercial lending, credit oversight, and executive management. He spent twelve years as SVP and Chief Lending Officer at Flagship Community Bank in Tampa, where he helped launch the de novo institution and guided it through the challenges of the recessionary cycle. Most recently, as CEO of Community Bank & Trust in Georgia, Steve led a strategic turnaround and growth initiative that increased the institution’s assets from $75MM to $210MM. During his tenure, he strengthened asset quality, modernized core and credit systems, and built high-performing SBA and USDA lending platforms.
Throughout his career, Steve has demonstrated the ability to lead community banks through complex transitions, balancing prudent risk management, operational modernization, and strategic growth. With family ties to upstate New York and a long-term leadership horizon, he is well-positioned to guide Gouverneur Bancorp and GS&L through their next phase of disciplined expansion and sustained community impact.
The Gouverneur Savings & Loan President & CEO search was led by Moriah Callahan, Partner & Director of Recruiting.
About Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc.
Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc. is the publicly traded holding company for Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association, a New York-chartered savings and loan institution founded in 1892. The Bank offers deposit and loan services to businesses, families, and individuals throughout the North Country. As of June 30, 2025, the Company reported total assets of $196.7 million, total deposits of $159.4 million, and total stockholders’ equity of $31.4 million. Gouverneur Bancorp remains committed to disciplined capital management, sound asset quality, and long-term value creation for its shareholders and the communities it serves.
About Smith & Wilkinson
For over 25 years, Smith & Wilkinson has been a trusted executive search and talent advisory partner. Our Financial Services team serves banks, credit unions, service providers, associations, nonbank lenders, financial technology companies, community and economic development organizations, and government-sponsored enterprises in attracting, promoting, and retaining senior leaders who drive long-term business success.
Our financial services executive search work includes Board, C-suite, and Director level engagements across executive leadership, strategy, risk, finance, operations, lending, technology, and wealth management, and more. With industry-leading market insight and a consultative approach, we provide both clients and candidates with exceptional visibility into today’s evolving talent landscape.
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